transitive verb relieved -·lieved′, relieving -·liev′·ing

1. 1. to ease, lighten, or reduce (pain, anxiety, etc.)
   2. to free (a person) from pain, discomfort, anxiety, etc.
   3. to restore (a part of the body, the mind, etc.) to well-being
2. 1. to lighten the pressure, stress, weight, etc. on (something)
   2. to lighten (pressure, stress, etc.)
3. 1. to give aid or assistance to to relieve the poor
   2. to bring or send help to to relieve a besieged city
4. 1. to set free from a burden, obligation, grievance, etc.
   2. to remove (a burden, etc.)
5. 1. to set free from duty or work by replacing with oneself or another to relieve a nurse
   2. ☆ Baseball to serve as a relief pitcher for (another pitcher)
6. to make less tedious, monotonous, etc. by being or providing a pleasing change
7. to set off by contrast; make distinct or prominent

Etymology: ME releven < OFr relever < L relevare, to lift up again < re-, again + levare, to raise: see lever

intransitive verb